Elementary teachers often look for classroom reading nook ideas or search for pictures of classroom reading corners for inspiration the weeks leading up to back to school. The great thing is that you don’t actually need to go out of your way to design or create a reading nook in your classroom because your students will find them on their own. Give a student a book and tell them to read where they want and you will surely find them tucked in corners, behind your desk, under tables, and in any other little nook or cranny they can squeeze into. However, if administration walks in and sees them lying on the counter, perched on shelves or planking between two chairs with their noses in books, they most likely will see it as a safety infraction and not a child’s love of literature. This post will share some helpful tips and ideas for creating cozy reading areas in your classroom. Read all about a classroom reading nook below!
What is a Reading Nook?
A reading nook, also known as a reading corner, is a comfortable space in your classroom where students can read.
What is the Purpose of a Reading Nook?
The purpose of a reading nook is to give students a comfortable space to read in order to foster their love of reading. We want it to be a very positive experience for students.
What are Items I can Use to Create a Reading Nook?
Below are some items you can use to create a reading nook.
- Pillows
- Towels
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
- Forts
- Coolers
- Bean bag chairs
- Ottomans
- Couches
- Yoga mats
- Papasan chairs
10 Tips for Creating a Classroom Reading Nook
Below are 10 tips for creating a reading nook in your classroom.
1. Prioritize Safety
When it comes to offering alternate seating in the classroom, there are some guidelines to consider. I recently wrote a blog post about the problems associated with the flexible seating craze and included solutions for those problems so I encourage you to read that post in conjunction with this one. Safety is the most important factor to consider when planning and setting up your classroom reading nook. Make sure your reading nook follows all of your school’s fire codes and does not put any students at risk.
2. Define the Space
If you have the space, you will probably want to set up a permanent area for relaxing with a book. Just be aware of how many students can use the area at one time and decide if it is worth designating that much square footage to a space that the whole class will not benefit from regularly.
If you have the space and want to dedicate it to a cozy reading area, I suggest you start by putting down an area rug to define the space. If fire codes do not prevent you from doing such, I also recommend bringing in softer lighting by adding lamps to the area. Next, set up some furniture.
3. Limit Distractions
Make sure the reading nook is not too distracting. Remember the purpose is to get your students reading. Try not to make the reading nook too fun, so students are distracted, unfocused, and not productive.
4. Make the Space Comfortable
Students are not able to learn and be productive if they are physically uncomfortable, so try to make the space comfortable for your students.
5. Consider Making a Portable Version
If you do not have the ability to designate an entire corner of the classroom, you may want to consider making portable reading nooks. This will enable students to read in areas of the classroom instead of sitting at their desks.
Kids love to spread out and read on the floor. To make it seem slightly less icky (although truly no more comfy), teachers will sometimes have towels or blankets on hand. These can be washed which is always a bonus. Some teachers have each student bring in a towel from home to keep in their cubbies.
6. Utilize Outside the Box Seating
The same year I used a camping theme in my classroom, I brought coolers in from home. They were used for class meeting as seats. The kids also enjoyed sitting on them during reading time. They were great for storing things inside and I loved not having to store them in my house for the winter. Again, not my idea of comfort, but proves the fact that kids will find spots they enjoy reading in.
7. Involve Your Students in the Planning
Consider working as a class to brainstorm a list of possible “reading nooks.”
8. Create and Communicate Expectations
Provide the students with guidelines. Some examples are that students need to be seen, can’t disturb others, and can’t be on top of furniture.
Tents and forts are a kid-favorite, but you’ll want to gage your classroom climate to see if it works for you. My guidelines were that only one friend could be in it at one time and the flap needed to remain open. My teacher table was set up so that I could see inside.
9. Establish Management Systems
One idea is to create a “seating chart” or rotation schedule so that kids are not rushing to claim a specific spot.
10. Match Your Reading Nook to Your Classroom Theme
Pillows are a great way to make your reading nook feel like it’s part of your classroom. The pillowcases can be changed out to match your classroom theme or color scheme or to add a pop of color. They can be washed. Pillow also soften the space. They can be picked up and easily taken to a different area of the classroom for comfy reading.
When I did a camping theme in my third grade classroom, I included sleeping bags in the reading area. The kids would spread them out and read on top of them (not going in them was one of the rules) around the campfire.
In closing, I hope you found these classroom reading nook ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:
- Flexible Seating Ideas for Teachers
- Back to School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers
- How to Create an Ideal Class Meeting Area for Whole Group Instruction
